Y’all know that if a book-to-screen adaptation is in the works, I’m working on the details for you.
In the case of Harry Potter, whispers about a possible reboot of the original (and much beloved) films as a TV series have been floating around for a while, but HBO Max recently confirmed that the seven-season adaptation is officially in the works.
The last installment of the franchise, The Deathly Hallows Part 2, hit the theaters in July of 2011, a mere twelve years ago. On top of that, Fantastic Beasts, the spin-off series following Hufflepuff favorite Newt Scamander, just released its most recent movie titled Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in April of 2022. In light of the consistently large fan base surrounding the world, HBO Max has capitalized on the loyal love fans have for the original films and characters. In January of last year, they released Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, an adorable TV special that revisited the cast, the story, and the creation of the original movies. If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend it because it truly feeds the Dramoine fanfiction vibes we all know and love.
Anyways.
It all goes to show that Harry Potter as a character and as a franchise has not slowed down in the slightest in the last few years, so why does HBO feel the need to remake a perfectly good (flaws and all) series? Why are fans up in arms about the announcement?
On April 12, HBO dropped this teaser on Twitter, featuring the iconic soundtrack and literally nothing else of substance.
So far, concrete information about casting and other details are sparse, but we do know a few things.
According to Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, of HBO (soon to be Max) Content, “This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years,” and the show will span “10 consecutive years”, sticking to the book series and not touching on Fantastic Beasts.
Max describes the show as follows: “The stories from each of Rowling’s Harry Potter books will become a decade-long series produced with the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years. Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Coming from the platform that also produced major fantasy hits like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, this isn’t just big talk. Promises are paired with big tome budgets in the TV department at HBO, and the team seems truly dedicated to a proper recreation of Harry Potter.
While casting is still in the works, many unconfirmed speculations are still roaming. And while we can debate about whether or not original actors should reappear in different roles (Daniel Radcliffe as Sirius Black anyone?), Max has explicitly stated that they’re looking for new actors to tell the story.
The TV remake has been given a blaring green light, and all seems positive about the team backing the project, but fans have been up in arms. I mean seriously, just google the phrase, “Why are fans upset about the Harry Potter remake?” and the results are angry and endless.
Personally, my current take on the reboot is mute. On one hand, I think it’s too soon to be remaking the story. The original films and cast members are incredibly popular and generate awe-inspiring nostalgia in fans to this day, and it almost feels like disrespect to create a new generation of Harry Potter legacies so soon. On the other hand, I’m never going to turn down more time at Hogwarts. Why hate on a show that’s going to be made regardless? Why not enjoy it as a new, separate series that doesn’t take away from the originals but rather adds to the richness of the world-building and depth of the characters?
I think fans need to take a deep breath and watch this show unfold properly before attacking it. Even with recent heavy boycotts against J.K. Rowling and her franchises (understandable), Max is going to follow through with the production of the series. Outrage won’t change anything. Try your best to enjoy the fact that the entertainment world just promised you another decade of Harry Potter!
The show is set to release sometime in 2025/2026, which puts it about 2-3 years away from hitting our screens.
I’ll keep an eye out for more news if you keep your spirits up and your hate down! Deal?